"Jesus, I trust in You."
It is, perhaps, my favorite aspiration; its every word is filled with power. I said I would let you know how my distracted attempts at prayer were going, and I'm happy to report that I have, in some ways, been praying unaware. This morning I realized how automatically my heart turns to Our Lord in the midst of everyday life, often without a conscious decision on my part. I don't think it's a coincidence that this awareness broke through on Mercy Sunday.
I used to have a wristwatch with an hourly alarm. Each time it chimed, I'd pray inwardly: "Jesus, I trust in You." No matter where I was or what I was doing, this little beep served as a monastery bell. It was good training.
Is there value in simple, quick prayer that's so "automatic?" I would say that indeed there is. I have formed the habit of aspiration(s) by an act of my will, and Jesus (in His mercy) meets me much more than half way.
Like someone groping along in the darkness of a cavern, I move one step at a time, my way lit by the beams of prayer, my trust placed in the knowledge that there is Light. I may not always be able to see it, but I believe in the Light. Once in awhile, the Light breaks through with majestic power, as happened when Jesus appeared to St. Faustina and revealed the rays of Blood and Water flowing from His Heart.
Jesus shatters darkness, deception, sin. Jesus breaks through walls of unforgiveness, woundedness, distraction, fear.
Jesus is Mercy. Jesus is Love.
Jesus, I trust in You.
"The Lord gave his blessing, and the rays extended over the whole world.... I heard a Voice: 'This Feast emerged from the very depths of My Mercy, and it is confirmed in the vast depths of My tender mercies. Every soul believing and trusting in My Mercy will obtain it.'" (St. Faustina)
"The Light shines on in darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it." (John 1:5)